White said he “will not tolerate” anyone taking advantage of evacuated area and that “criminal enforcement will be swift and severe.” Hurtt said police will be strictly enforcing the curfew in all parts of the city that are under mandatory evacuation orders.

“Starting at 7 p.m. this evening and running until 6 a.m. Saturday morning, there will be a curfew in all those areas where there is a mandatory evacuation in the City of Houston,” Hurtt announced.

The Houston police chief said curfew would remain in place for Saturday night as well.

Thomas said deputies from his office would be assisting local police protecting hurricane-affected areas.

“We will be working with all municipal law enforcement to maintain order,” Thomas said.

Emmett also announced that Harris County would begin experiencing hurricane-force winds beginning at about 6:30 p.m. and motorists needed to be off area freeways by that time.

“It’s very important that people be off the freeways by 6:30 or very shortly thereafter,” Emmett said. “The hurricane-force winds will be upon us very shortly.”

It was also announced that Houston and Harris County emergency personnel would be taking shelter when storm conditions reach a point where it would be unsafe for them to remain on the streets. They will resume responding to calls for help as soon as conditions allow.